Immerse yourself in the festive magic of Christmas markets across nine historic towns in Lower Saxony, Germany: Braunschweig, Celle, Göttingen, Goslar, Hameln, Hanover, Hildesheim, Lüneburg, and Wolfenbüttel. Ideal for a winter city escape just a few hours' drive from the Netherlands, these markets offer unique experiences like underground gift shopping, wishing forests, mulled beer, and a dedicated Christmas post office.
1. Celebrate Christmas underground at Goslar's UNESCO World Heritage Sites
In the former mining town of Goslar, dive into holiday cheer at spots like the picturesque half-timbered Brunnengarten farmhouse (with restaurant) and the UNESCO-listed Rammelsberg Mines, adorned in festive lights. On December 14 and 15, join a candlelit underground tour in the mines, complete with markets above and below ground. Pair it with the traditional market on Market Square, artisan gifts, and a climb up the Marktkirche clock tower.
2. Marvel at Europe's largest Christmas wreath in Lüneburg
The salt and Hanseatic city of Lüneburg boasts Germany's highest pub density and, in December, Europe's biggest Wichernkranz wreath on the Water Tower—visible during the 'Illuminated Facades' tour. Complement it with the Christmas market before the old town hall, glowing churches, and a fairy-tale route through the center, perfect for holiday shopping.
3. Savor mulled beer in Göttingen
Skip the usual mulled wine in this vibrant student city—mulled beer (heated barley liquor) is the star. Enjoy it at the cozy market square stall amid 80 nativity scenes, with the historic town hall and Gänseliesel fountain as backdrop. Don't miss the vintage Ferris wheel or tours of the city's underground vaults.
4. Enjoy music and theater in Hameln, the Pied Piper City
Transform your winter weekend in Hameln into a cultural delight with the musical Die Päpstin about Pope Joan, Pied Piper theater at Museum Hameln, or Christmas concerts in Marktkirche St. Nicolai. Combine with the historic center market and an Advent boat trip on the River Weser.
5. Toast with Mumme in Braunschweig's moat
Revive the medieval bestseller Braunschweiger Mumme—a robust, malty brew that sustained sailors. Sample its lighter, warmed Advent version on rafts in the Dankwarderode Castle moat or at stalls around the Dom Christmas market.
6. Experience Celle, Germany's best Christmas town of 2018
This 700-year-old gem, named top Christmas town in 2018, expands its magic in 2019. The whole city glows with the Altstadt market, festive shop windows, a 14-meter Christmas pyramid, and Schloss Celle. Sustainable highlight: a gift exchange market on December 26.
7. Make a wish in Hanover's Christmas forest
Hanover shines with diverse markets—from 190 stalls around Marktkirche and Lister Meile to a Finnish Christmas village on Ballhofplatz. Stroll the 'Wunschbrunnen-Wald' wishing forest; legend says turning its golden ring makes dreams come true.
8. Send a card from Hildesheim's Christmas post office
Germany's first Christmas post office opened in 1967 in Himmelsthür (Hildesheim district), handling piles of 'To Santa' mail amid the historic Platz an der Lilie market stalls. Kick off the season with Pumpernickel Christmas rye bread (cinnamon-almond) and unique tree trims.
9. Stroll romantic courtyards in Wolfenbüttel
Wolfenbüttel glows with weekend-open, lit courtyard gardens, a Residenzschloss market, and central Weihnachtsmarkt. Warm up with Jägermeister tours on December 2, 9, and 16.
10. Spot VW factory chimneys as XXL candles in Wolfsburg's Autostadt
As partner to the nine towns, Autostadt offers design, ZeitHaus classics, and racing previews. In December, it becomes a winter wonderland with markets, ice shows, and VW chimneys lit as giant Advent wreath candles.
Overview of 2019 Christmas market dates:
Braunschweig: 27-11 to 29-12
Celle: 28-11 to 29-12
Göttingen: 25-11 to 29-12
Goslar: 27-11 to 30-12
Hameln: 27-11 to 30-12
Hannover: 25-11 to 22-12
Hildesheim: 25-11 to 29-12
Lüneburg: 27-11 to 23-12
Wolfenbüttel: 26-11 to 23-12
Winter market Autostadt Wolfsburg: 29-12-2019 to 5-1-2020
Find city info and market details at www.9staedte.de/en/
Photo: Christmas Market Göttingen © Göttingen Tourismus Gerhardts
